He was born in August 1945 in Henderson, NV, but by the time he was 13, Ronald Gene Wilson had found his way to the sea. He passed away quietly, of an apparent heart problem. He was among unaware friends aboard the vessel he loved best of all, the Independence, as she was docked at Point Loma Sportfishing Thursday afternoon, February 9.

According to his daughter Jo Lynn Wilson and Judy Collins, Independence office manager, Ron spent his years after he went to sea working aboard boats in Los Angeles and San Diego. He was a commercial tuna fisherman, and for the last 18 years was employed with sportfishing boat owners Mark Pisano and Paul Strasser, who operate the Indy.

Announcements are yet to come regarding services for Ron Wilson, who was much-liked among long range anglers for his cheerful assistance and wealth of salt water experience. For now, inquiries should go to Judy Collins at the boat's office, at (619) 226-6006, or e-mail her at HYPERLINK "mailto:info@independencesportfishing.com" info@independencesportfishing.com.